Sports

World Legends Pro T20 Delivers a Grand Finale to Remember in Goa


The World Legends Pro T20 League concluded in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night, bringing down the curtains on a tournament that successfully blended nostalgia, competitiveness and high-quality cricket, while firmly establishing Goa as a destination capable of hosting marquee sporting events.

Over the past few weeks, the league brought together some of the most iconic names in world cricket, delivering thrilling contests and moments that reminded fans why these players once ruled the global stage. Packed stadiums, strong broadcast viewership and a festive atmosphere both on and off the field underlined the growing appeal of the tournament.

World Cup-winning captain and League Commissioner Michael Clarke praised both the cricket on display and the setting that hosted it, noting that the tournament showcased Goa beyond its image as a holiday destination. He highlighted the quality of facilities, the enthusiastic crowds and the enjoyment expressed by players throughout the competition.

Despite having retired from international cricket, the legends approached each match with unmistakable intensity. Clarke remarked that the hunger to win never fades, with players still eager to perform, compete and deliver at the highest level. Several performances throughout the tournament reinforced this competitive edge.

The league produced multiple headline moments, including Martin Guptill’s sublime century, described by Clarke as among the finest innings of his career, and Piyush Chawla’s sensational hat-trick that electrified fans. These performances ensured the competition was far more than a nostalgic exhibition.

With evenly matched teams and close finishes throughout the league stage, the knockout rounds brought out the very best in the players. Clarke noted that the balance across teams played a key role in the tournament’s success, making the semifinals and final particularly compelling.

Leadership emerged as another defining element of the tournament, with Clarke singling out Harbhajan Singh’s captaincy for its tactical sharpness and calm decision-making under pressure, which translated into consistent on-field performances.

As the inaugural edition comes to a close, the World Legends Pro T20 leaves behind more than memorable matches. It has reaffirmed the enduring appeal of cricket’s legends, delivered a fresh entertainment product for fans, and opened the door for Goa to play a larger role on the international sporting calendar.

Sports

Naman Ojha, Shadab Jakati Shine as Rajasthan Lions Seal Second League Win


Rajasthan Lions continued their impressive run in the World Legends Pro T20 League by registering a comfortable six-wicket victory over Pune Panthers in the ninth match of the tournament at Goa on January 30, 2026. Chasing a modest target, the Lions showcased composure and experience, completing the chase in just 15.1 overs to secure two valuable points.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pune Panthers struggled early despite opening with experienced campaigners Upul Tharanga and Martin Guptill. Guptill struck a couple of crisp boundaries before falling in the opening over, while Shane Watson departed soon after, leaving Pune reeling at 30 for 3. Rajasthan’s bowlers applied consistent pressure, making run-scoring difficult during the early stages.

A crucial 87-run partnership between Tharanga and Kieron Pollard revived Pune’s innings. Pollard, playing his first match of the tournament, looked in sublime touch, clearing the ropes with ease before being dismissed for 48. Tharanga narrowly missed his half-century, scoring 49, but once the pair departed, Pune lost momentum and wickets fell in quick succession. The Panthers were eventually bowled out for 144 in 18.2 overs, with Shadab Jakati starring with figures of 3 for 13 and support coming from every bowler.

Rajasthan Lions’ chase did not begin smoothly, as captain Eoin Morgan, Callum Ferguson and Suresh Raina fell cheaply. Amid the early setbacks, Naman Ojha once again proved his value, anchoring the innings with a well-crafted 51 off 28 deliveries. His calm presence steadied the chase and allowed Rajasthan to regain control.

After Ojha’s dismissal, JP Duminy ensured there were no further hiccups, combining with birthday boy Ben Cutting in a brisk partnership that sealed the game. Duminy remained unbeaten on 37, while Cutting struck the winning runs, wrapping up a comprehensive victory for the Lions.

The result further strengthens Rajasthan Lions’ position in the league standings and highlights their balanced combination of experienced batting and disciplined bowling as the tournament progresses.

Sports

World Legends Pro T20 League Announces Squads, Captains, Fixtures for Inaugural Season in Goa


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Goa, January 21, 2026: The World Legends Pro T20 League (WLPT20) has officially announced the six franchises, team captains, final squads, and the complete fixture schedule for its inaugural season. The tournament will be held at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium, Goa, from 26 January to 4 February 2026, featuring 18 matches including a league stage, two semi-finals, and a grand finale.


The six franchises—Rajasthan Kings, Delhi Warriors, Pune Panthers, Dubai Royals, Gurugram Thunders, and Maharashtra Tycoons—will feature 90 legendary cricketers from around the world, blending iconic international stars with top Indian domestic talent.

The league will kick off with a grand opening ceremony on 25 January, featuring a live performance by Sunidhi Chauhan, setting the stage for a cricketing and entertainment extravaganza.

“Seeing these squads and captains come together is incredibly exciting. Each team is well-balanced, blending legendary experience with T20 flair, and fans are in for a real spectacle—high-octane matches, unforgettable moments, and a chance to see some of the greatest players in cricket history light up the field once again,” said League Commissioner Michael Clarke.

“This league is built on a model where management and owners focus on creating long-term, sustainable value together. For the first time in years, Goa will host a major cricketing extravaganza, and we’re excited to bring world-class cricket to the city,” added Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SGSE.


Team Squads & Captains – WLPT20 2026
Rajasthan Kings – Captain: Eoin Morgan
Ben Cutting, Elton Chigumbura, Naman Ojha, Callum Ferguson, Angelo Perera, JP Duminy, Suresh Raina, Bipul Sharma, Pinal Shah, Jaykishan Kolsawala, Abhimanyu Mithun, Anureet Singh, Jesal Karia, Shadab Jakati

Delhi Warriors – Captain: Harbhajan Singh
Seekkugge Prasanna, Chadwick Walton, Imran Tahir, Colin Ingram, Irfan Pathan, Isuru Udana, Shahbaz Nadeem, Chirag Gandhi, Shreevats Goswami, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Rahul Shukla, Diwesh Pathania, Suboth Bhati, Ravi Jangid

Pune Panthers – Captain: Kieron Pollard
Samiullah Shinwari, Upul Tharanga, Amit Mishra, Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo, Martin Guptill, Robin Uthappa, Kamil Leverock, Rahul Yadav, Asad Pathan, Ankit Rajpoot, Faiz Fazal, Priyank Panchal, Ishwar Pandey

Dubai Royals – Captain: Shikhar Dhawan
Samit Patel, Piyush Chawla, Christopher Mpofu, Fidel Edwards, Danushka Gunathilaka, Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Parvez Rasool, Gitansh Khera, Abhishek Raut, Peter Trego, Monu Kumar, Amit Verma, Kirk Edwards

Gurugram Thunders – Captain: Thisara Perera
Phil Mustard, Ross Taylor, Cheteshwar Pujara, Colin de Grandhomme, S Sreesanth, Stuart Broad, Rayad Emrit, Jermaine Blackwood, Amitoze Singh, Sheldon Jackson, Akshay Wakhare, Malinda Pushpakumara, Saurin Thakar, Pawan Negi

Maharashtra Tycoons – Captain: Dinesh Karthik
Carlos Brathwaite, Dale Steyn, Chris Gayle, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Stuart Binny, Peter Siddle, Shaun Marsh, Rahul Sharma, Pawan Suyal, Praveen Gupta, Baltej Singh, Manvinder Bisla, Siddarth Kaul


League Format
Each team plays five league-stage matches

Points awarded based on match results

Top four teams advance to the playoffs

Semi-finals: 3 February 2026

Grand Final: 4 February 2026

All matches at a single venue to ensure uniform playing conditions

Fixtures – WLPT20 2026

26 Jan: Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals, 7:30 PM
27 Jan: Pune Panthers vs Gurugram Thunders, 2:30 PM
27 Jan: Rajasthan Kings vs Maharashtra Tycoons, 7:30 PM
28 Jan: Dubai Royals vs Gurugram Thunders, 2:30 PM
28 Jan: Delhi Warriors vs Pune Panthers, 7:30 PM
29 Jan: Rajasthan Kings vs Dubai Royals, 2:30 PM
29 Jan: Gurugram Thunders vs Maharashtra Tycoons, 7:30 PM
30 Jan: Maharashtra Tycoons vs Delhi Warriors, 2:30 PM
30 Jan: Pune Panthers vs Rajasthan Kings, 7:30 PM
31 Jan: Gurugram Thunders vs Rajasthan Kings, 2:30 PM
31 Jan: Dubai Royals vs Pune Panthers, 7:30 PM
1 Feb: Pune Panthers vs Maharashtra Tycoons, 2:30 PM
1 Feb: Delhi Warriors vs Gurugram Thunders, 7:30 PM
2 Feb: Rajasthan Kings vs Delhi Warriors, 2:30 PM
2 Feb: Maharashtra Tycoons vs Dubai Royals, 7:30 PM
3 Feb: Semi-Final 1, 2:30 PM
3 Feb: Semi-Final 2, 7:30 PM
4 Feb: Grand Final, 7:30 PM

Sports

Advocates Cricket League Season 7 to Begin December 21 in Goa


Panaji: The much-anticipated seventh season of the Advocates Cricket League (ACL) is set to commence on December 21, promising thrilling T20 action featuring teams from Goa’s vibrant legal fraternity. League matches will be hosted at Chicalim, Vasco, while the semi-finals and final will take place at the prestigious Goa Cricket Association (GCA) ground in Porvorim.

Following a successful auction conducted at the High Court premises in Porvorim, all participating franchises have finalised their 16-member squads. The league phase will run from December 21 to December 29, with two matches scheduled daily at 9.15 am and 1.30 pm. December 25 will be observed as a holiday, with no matches scheduled.

The opening day will see 18 Juners face Lotlikar Lions in the morning fixture, followed by Lawyer Challengers taking on United Brothers in the afternoon. Other notable league encounters include Risers versus Legal Titans, Lotlikar Lions against United Brothers, and several high-voltage clashes involving Lawyer Challengers, 18 Juners, and Risers.

At the conclusion of the league stage, the top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled on January 9, 2026. The first semi-final will see Rank 1 play Rank 4 at 9.15 am, followed by Rank 2 versus Rank 3 at 1.30 pm. The grand finale, to be played under floodlights, is scheduled for January 10, 2026, at 6.00 pm.

ACL President Iftikhar Agha expressed optimism ahead of the tournament, stating that the league has grown stronger with every passing season. He highlighted the enthusiasm shown by team owners and players during the auction, emphasizing that the league aims to promote healthy competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship while providing a professional platform for advocates to showcase their cricketing talent.

Defending champions UB Warriors will look to retain their title, while teams including Lawyer Challengers, Legal Titans, Lotlikar Lions, Risers, United Brothers, and 18 Juners aim to make a strong mark in what promises to be a closely contested season.

With the Season 7 trophy unveiled and fixtures announced, excitement continues to build as the Advocates Cricket League prepares to deliver another memorable chapter in Goa’s sporting calendar.

Sports

Former Indian Captain Turned Ex-BCCI Chairman Sourav Ganguly Appointed Head Coach of Pretoria Capitals


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

The “Maharaja of Indian Cricket”, Sourav Ganguly, has officially returned to frontline cricket—this time as Head Coach of the Pretoria Capitals in the upcoming 2026 edition of SA20, South Africa’s leading T20 cricket league.

At 53, Ganguly is proving once again that age is no barrier when it comes to passion and leadership. His appointment follows the exit of former England cricketer Jonathan Trott, who coached the Capitals in the 2023–2025 seasons and is now the Head Coach of Afghanistan’s national team.

Ganguly’s cricket journey has spanned decades—captain of Team India, a powerful figure in world cricket as BCCI President, and now, a mentor and coach stepping into one of the sport’s biggest franchise leagues. Prior to his BCCI role, he also served as a mentor with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League and is currently the Director of JSW Sports, the parent company of Pretoria Capitals.

The 2026 edition of the SA20 tournament will be held from December 26, 2025 to January 25, 2026, to avoid a direct clash with the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Ganguly expressed his gratitude and optimism about the role:

“All the best and thank you for having me,” he shared, signaling his commitment to lead the Capitals into a new era.

With Ganguly’s proven tactical mind and inspirational leadership, Pretoria Capitals will be looking to rebuild and push for a strong finish in the upcoming season. His mentorship is expected to play a vital role in developing young talent and infusing the team with a winning mentality.